2 WAITAKI HERALD, AUGUST 27, 2014 If you have any community news, upcoming events or want to share your views then call or email us. Delivered to 9,489 homes in the Waitaki region each week! Positive signs for precinct It’s encouraging to see the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust have announced several initiatives to help get the most out of the Victorian precinct. The area has huge potential attracting and more Scan QR code to view online editions tourists to the area is a must. We who live here already know how special the precinct is and we should all want that message to be spread around the world. While it’s true the trust has been criticised by some in the past for its lack of action and priorities by some, the appointment of a new chairman in Peter Garvan and some new committee members certainly seems to have freshened things up a bit. Hopefully, it’s a sign of positive things to come for the jewel in Oamaru’s crown. Take care and have a great week, Daniel Advertising Sales Manager Lee Conlan (03) 687 1332 • 027 213 0017 lee.conlan@timaruherald.co.nz Communities Co-ordinator Tracy Miles (03) 687 1346 • 027 214 9152 scheditor@timaruherald.co.nz LETTER TO THE EDITOR Open letter to Minister of Health Thank you for your letter advising us of the increased numbers of elective operations in the past year. While we are happy to hear of this advance, I am sure you will agree a lot more can be done to reduce even further the number of people waiting for operations. However, there is another equally important Reporter Daniel Birchfi eld (03) 433 0744 0274 958 250 daniel.birchfi eld@waitakiherald.co.nz issue that requires urgent attention. The Southern District Health Board is struggling under the burden of a heavy debt – close to $12 million – that it inherited when it was set up. Grey Power North Otago is interested to know what steps your Government is going to take to eliminate this debt and to ensure that the board has sufficient funds to carry out its mandate for the people of the region. Malcolm McKenzie President Grey Power North Otago SUDOKU SOLUTION Advertising Supervisor Sue Stott (03) 433 0745 027 213 0023 sue.stott@waitakiherald.co.nz Advertising Tanya Sanderson (03) 433 0743 027 249 7309 tanya.sanderson@waitakiherald.co.nz Missed Deliveries (03) 687 1392 Classifi eds (03) 687 1395 QUALITY SHOES AT DISCOUNTED PRICES OFFICE: 187 Thames St, Oamaru Ph: (03) 433 0740 Fax: (03) 434 5240 Tonic Published by The Timaru Herald, a division of Fairfax Media NZ SHOEBOX outlet Whisk Lightweight, breathable casual. Whisk style also available in royal blue. Foot therapy RRP $129.90 Our price $79.90 Northtown Mall Timaru Open 7 Days 684 4706 Solution to last week’s crossword ACROSS: 1 Flock, 4 Leave in the lurch, 14 Civic, 15 Issue, 16 Disruptive, 17 Error, 19 Nip, 20 Nothing, 21 Vibration, 22 Intent, 25 Assistant, 27 Pre ´cis, 28 Hearse, 33 Politician, 35 Hot, 36 Jurors, 37 Stop, 39 Emu, 41 Dispute, 42 Sequel, 43 Buccaneer, 44 Lithe, 45 Mystical, 50 La, 51 Pedestal, 55 Ankle, 58 Clarified, 59 Circle, 60 NEWS Council meeting held to discuss safer playgrounds By NICOLA WOLFE T he Waitaki District Council has held a meeting to discuss the feasibility of fencing a local publicly accessible park. The discussions took place fol- lowing suggestions from local mother Yvonne Ball who feels a fenced park will bring peace of mind to parents and caregivers of preschoolers and children with special needs. Ball and several parents and grandparents behind the project, met with Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher and recreation manager Erik van der Spek for a round-table discussion last week in order to get the ball rolling. ‘‘It was an information gather- ing exercise for both parties to learn from each other,’’ Ball says. ‘‘It was about them learning about my vision and how I plan to get community consultation, and about us learning what council plans might be used for any parks in the future.’’ Overall, the meeting was ‘‘really productive, open, friendly meeting,’’ Ball says. ‘‘Council is open to work with us if it’s what the community wants – especially as I intend to fundraise,’’ Ball says. ‘‘Now it’s about gathering the information to present to council.’’ Mayor Kircher says he believes the project has some merit. ‘‘We certainly want to find out more about what kind of In talks: The Waitaki District Council has responded to a call for fenced playgrounds by meeting with people promoting the idea. demand there might be. We see this as something that may be a requirement for toddlers and caregivers,’’ he says. It was now up to Ball and her group to complete the consultation process so the council could see the overall need for the project, funding requirements and what sort of area the community would like to see fenced, he says. ‘‘Then to come back to the council with a proposal for us to look at.’’ Although Oamaru Play Safe, centred around a Facebook page of the same name, is still in the consultation process, Ball says the meeting has brought greater clarity as to her next move. ‘‘My next goal is reaching the wider community – not just via Facebook – so everyone can have a say. I want to contact the schools, kindys, playcentres and talk to special needs families and groups.’’ There will also be a box at the Herald office where members of the community can submit ideas and feedback, she says. CROSSWORDSOLUTION Usually, 61 Mat, 63 Whim, 64 Give up, 65 Ebb, 66 Watermelon, 68 Ashore, 69 Beacon, 71 Sweetened, 76 Taiwan, 77 Freshness, 79 Blurred, 81 Rue, 84 Trade, 85 Irritation, 86 Probe, 87 Halve, 88 Hit below the belt, 89 Droll. DOWN: 2 Lesson, 3 Crush, 5 Evil, 6 Version, 7 Impure, 8 Twist, 9 Eyesore, 10 Used, 11 Caring, 12 Event, 13 Sceptre, 14 Creeper, 18 Antibiotic, 23 Stain, WIN We have a double pass to give away to Begin Again, which is currently on at the Limelight Cinema on Thames St. To enter the giveaway, write your name, phone number and address on the back of an envelope and post to: Movie Giveaway, c/o Waitaki Herald, 187 Thames St, Oamaru or email 24 Disrobe, 26 Snippet, 27 Patella, 29 Retreat, 30 Notify, 31 Shrub, 32 Oracle, 34 Need, 36 Junta, 38 Peril, 40 Fake, 45 Macaw, 46 Spanish, 47 Ibis, 48 Acidic, 49 Skimp, 50 Lectern, 52 Discreetly, 53 Siamese, 54 Abloom, 55 Adhered, 56 Bribe, 57 Flaw, 62 Steer, 67 Artiste, 68 Anarchy, 70 Cordial, 72 Washtub, 73 Salami, 74 Snatch, 75 Verbal, 76 Tells, 78 Straw, 80 Rarer, 82 Herb, 83 Fool. movie tickets sue.stott@waitakiherald. co.nz with Movie Giveaway in the subject line by Sunday night. Be sure to include your phone number. Names will be drawn Monday morning. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Joy White, who has won a double pass to see Rising From the Ashes at the Limelight Cinema on Thames St. 6242533AA 6257693AA